Lithium batteries:
a technological feat with ecological limits

The boom in lithium batteries since the 1990s

Since their introduction in the 1990s, lithium batteries, in particular lithium-ion, se sont imposées comme la technologie de référence. Basées sur la circulation d’ions lithium entre deux électrodes, elles sont devenues incontournables dans des secteurs stratégiques comme l’automobile, l’aviation, l’électronique portable et les énergies renouvelables.

Technology with remarkable performance

- High energy density

Lithium batteries stand out for their ability to store a lot of energy in a small volume. This energy density makes them the preferred choice for portable electronic devices, drones and, above all, electric vehicles.

- Extended service life

Capable of withstanding several hundred to thousands of charge and discharge cycles, they offer durability that reduces the need for frequent replacement.

Risks associated with lithium batteries

- Safety and the risk of thermal runaway

Despite their advantages, these batteries are still sensitive to overcharging, heat and shocks. In some cases, they can cause thermal runaway, leading to the risk of fire.

- Dependence on critical metals

Leur fabrication dépend fortement du lithium, du cobalt et du nickel, dont l’extraction a un significant environmental and social impact.

- The challenge of recycling lithium batteries

In 2022, less than 5% of lithium batteries worldwide were recycled (source: American Chemical Society). Current processes are complex and costly. However, research is progressing and new recycling technologies are emerging, paving the way for better recovery of precious metals.